Base of Operations: Heliopolis, especially the Golden Paths of the Gods

First Appearance: Marvel Two-In-One#23 (January, 1977)

Powers/Abilities: The Devourer was a fanged, huge, troll-like creature (about 35-40' tall) that seemed to have, at best, below normal intelligence. He appeared to have demi-godlike durability and stamina, plus about Superhuman Class 90 strength, and was semi-immortal. Even a blow from Thor's hammer was not able to topple him. However, he had an all-consuming hatred of the Helipolitans, especially Horus, who defeated him in a prior confrontation. Even Osiris was fearful of the Devourer. He seemed slow, but was like a relentless juggernaut. His skin was green and he wore basic armor. He had talon-like nails from his giant hands and had claw-like feet plus a long tail that he whipped like a weapon. It is unknown if he could survive in a vacuum.

(Marvel Two-In-One#23 (fb) - BTS) - The rogue god Seth wove a plan to not just claim Heliopolis, but the universe as well, using the Devourer to crush his enemies. Seth made Isis and Osiris powerless and he strung up Horus over the soul-searing Flames of Anubis. He also raised a skeleton army to serve him. He bartered with the Devourer to serve him in exchange for Horus' life.

(Marvel Two-In-One#23) - Seth transported interdimensionally the Thing and Thor to the Golden Paths of the Gods just outside Heliopolis to do battle. However, Seth had laid a trap by taking the two heroes up to Heliopolis along the Golden Paths of the Gods, where the Devourer was waiting to be released. Thor and the Thing once more battled Seth, until Seth released the Devourer. Osiris and Isis were concerned about their fates. The Devourer roared upon being released, its huge body smashed through Heliopolis, grinding Seth's skeleton warriors underfoot, knocking over the brazier under Horus, all in an effort to reach Horus. On the Golden Path bridge, Thor and the Thing engaged in a brief but one-sided battle against the might of the Devourer to save Horus; even Seth was knocked over by the raging beast.

The Thing then grabbed the injured and weary Horus, who had been released by Seth to stop the uncontrollable Devourer. The monster then lumbered after the Thing, who then leapt off the Golden Path bridge with Horus slung over his shoulder and hoped for a miracle. Unthinking and seeking only vengeance, the Devourer launched itself into space after them. However, Thor was able to cast his hammer, Mjolnir, to the Thing, who grabbed it so that he was brought back to the Golden Path bridge to safety, but the Devourer sailed past them into space.

Bill Mantlo was credited with writing pages 1-6 (numbering with ads), but the Devourer was mentioned and appeared only from page 7 (Shooter's script).

The Devourer was likely based on one (or both) of the two following Egyptian mythological beings:

The Devourer, a female demon or goddess (called Ammut, Amam or Am-mit), who is found in The Book of the Dead and plays an important role in the Hall of Maat. She had the head of a crocodile, the middle of a lioness and the hind quarters of a hippopotamus. She devoured the souls of the dead who were deemed unworthy for existence in the afterlife.

Am-Heh was a threatening Underworld god whose name means "Devourer of Millions". He dwells in a Like of Fire, and his ferocity is augmented by his having the face of a hunting dog and an appetite for sacrifices. Only Atum could fend off Am-Heh.

An identical creature to this mythological Devourer appeared in later issues of Savage Sword of Conan#196 and #206 amongst the worshippers of Set in Stygia.
--John McDonagh

The Devourer was revealed as the monster Siapep in Seth's entry in Marvel Zombies: The Book of Angels, Demons & Other Monstrosities.